Common standard 8: supervision, management and support of personnel
Aid workers receive supervision and support to ensure effective implementation of the humanitarian assistance programme. |
Key indicators (to be read in conjunction with the guidance notes)
Managers are accountable for their decisions and for ensuring adequate security and compliance with codes/rules of conduct as well as support for their staff (see guidance note 1).
Technical and managerial staff are provided with the necessary training, resources and logistical support to fulfil their responsibilities (see guidance note 2).
Staff working on programmes understand the purpose and method of the activities they are asked to carry out, and receive subsequent feedback on their performance.
All staff have written job descriptions, with clear reporting lines, and undergo periodic written performance assessment.
All staff are oriented regarding relevant health and safety issues for the region and environment in which they are to work (see guidance note 3).
Staff receive appropriate security training.
Capacity-building systems for staff are set up and these are subject to routine monitoring (see guidance notes 4-5).
The capacity of national and local organisations is built up to promote long-term sustainability.
Guidance notes
1. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to establish and/or maintain systems that promote the implementation of programmes, of relevant policies, and to ensure compliance with rules/codes of conduct. Some humanitarian agencies already have codes or rules that relate to staff and institutional conduct with respect to issues such as child protection or sexual exploitation and abuse. As the importance of such rules is widely recognised, many humanitarian agencies are in the process of developing codes of conduct. Managerial accountability for ensuring compliance is a crucial aspect in the success of such codes.
2. Humanitarian agencies should ensure that their staff are qualified and competent, and properly trained and prepared, before assignment to an emergency situation. When deploying emergency teams, agencies should seek to ensure that there is a balance of women and men among staff and volunteers. Ongoing support and training may be necessary to ensure that staff can fulfil their responsibilities.
3. All staff should receive appropriate briefings on security and health issues, both prior to their deployment and when they arrive on-site. They should receive vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis medications (where needed) prior to deployment. Upon arrival, they should receive information aimed at minimising security risks, and should also be briefed on food and water safety, prevention of HIV/AIDS and other endemic infectious diseases, medical care availability, medical evacuation policies and procedures, and workers' compensation.
4. Special efforts should be made to promote diversity within the various levels of an organisation.
5. Capacity building is an explicit objective during the rehabilitation phase following a disaster. It should also be undertaken, to the extent possible, during the disaster/relief phase itself, especially when this is protracted.
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